In the United States, the average car insurance policy costs $1,009 per year, or about $84 per month. This is a reasonable amount for most people to protect themselves in the event of an accident. What does a car accident claim exceed insurance limits?
You may have to pay for the difference if you are in an accident that causes more damage than your insurance covers. This can be uncomfortable, especially if you have more money at hand.
How you can protect yourself and what happens when a car accident claim exceeds insurance limits will be discussed in this blog post.
What Are the Chances of an Accident Claim Going Beyond Insurance Limits?
Depending on the severity of the accident and the amount of insurance you have, the probability that an accident claim exceeds insurance limits varies. You have a much lower chance of exceeding those limits if you have a high-limit policy than if you have a low-limit policy.
There is always a possibility that your claim will exceed your insurance limits if you are involved in a severe accident, regardless of how much coverage you have. You will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket in such an unfortunate situation. It is crucial to make sure you have sufficient coverage because this could pose a financial burden.
What Happens If Your Claim Exceeds The Other Driver's Insurance Limit and You Are at Fault for an Accident?
You may be sued by the other driver if you are responsible for an accident and your claim exceeds the other driver's insurance limit. You may also be ordered to pay the other driver damages if the other driver wins the lawsuit. These damages may include lost wages, property damage, and medical costs.
What Happens If Your Claim Exceeds The Other Driver's Insurance Limit and You Are Not at Fault for an Accident?
Suppose you are not responsible for an accident, and your claim is larger than the other driver's insurance limit. You can file a claim with your insurance company if you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage in that case.
If you do not have this coverage, you may be unlucky. It is possible to file a lawsuit against the other driver in an effort to recover the rest of the money you are owed; however, it is not guaranteed that you will win or that the other driver will have the funds to pay you, even if you do win.
How To Prevent Your Car Accident Claim From Exceeding Your Insurance Limit
You should first contact your insurance company if you are involved in a car accident.They will probably request a recorded statement about the event. So, give them a straightforward account of the events, but only give what they need.
Once the insurance company has all the facts, they will let you know your options.
Here are a few things you can do to avoid having your car accident claim exceed your insurance limit:
- Make Sure You Have Enough Insurance Coverage: At least the minimum liability coverage required by your state should always be present. If you are able to pay for it, carrying additional coverage is always a good idea.
- Be ready to compensate for some of the damages: Up to the limits of your policy, your insurance company will pay for damage to your vehicle if you have collision coverage.
- However, if you were responsible for the accident, you will be liable for any damages that exceeds your policy limit. It is best to put some money aside if you have to pay out-of-pocket costs.
- Consult With an Attorney Following a Car Accident: An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and ensure that you receive a fair compensation for your damages and injuries.
How Do I Protect My Assets After a Car Accident?
Protecting your assets after a car accident is crucial. You may be liable for paying the remainder out of pocket if your car accident claim exceeds your insurance limits. You can take a few measures to protect your assets in this situation:
- Review Your Insurance Policy: Make sure you are familiar with what your insurance policy covers and what it does not cover. This will inform you of what to expect in the event that you are required to file a claim.
- Keep an eye on expenses: If you are liable for any costs associated with accidents, keep an eye on them. This includes lost wages, medical bills, and repairs to vehicles.
- Consider establishing a trust: If you are concerned about maintaining your assets, consider establishing one. This can help protect your assets from creditors in the event that you are sued following an accident.
- Talk to an Attorney: Consult an experienced personal injury attorney if you have concerns regarding the protection of your assets following a car accident. They can suggest the most appropriate course of action for your circumstances.
Conclusion
You may be liable for paying the difference out-of-pocket if you are involved in a car accident and your damages exceed the limits of the other driver's insurance policy. We hope that, though this can be intimidating, this post has helped you figure out how to pay for the expenses.
A qualified personal injury attorney can assist you in finding your path and receiving the compensation you deserve.